Government Accountability Project's union search tool for federal employees.
For more resources for federal employees including guides to safe whistleblowing, trainings, and legal assistance, click here.
Government Accountability Project has for nearly 50 years defended whistleblowers across every administration. We drafted and led the passage of most of the federal whistleblower protection laws that exist today, including the Whistleblower Protection Act and its amendments, the primary law that protects the rights of federal employees to report violations of laws, rules or regulations, gross waste or mismanagement, abuse of authority, and serious dangers to public health and safety — free from reprisal. Some whistleblowing protections are also established through federal union bargaining agreements and enforced in arbitration. Unions serve as an important resource for education about, and enforcement of, other labor and employment rights. Below you can find our union search tool and some frequently asked questions. If you are a federal employee looking for your union, the tool will assist you in finding the union for which you're eligible.
FAQ
What is a BUS code?
BUS code or Bargaining Unit Status Code, is the four digit number found in Block 37 of your Standard Form (SF)-50, Notification of Personnel Action. Each code is unique to the local of the labor union that your position is specifically eligible for, and is the most accurate record of your union status.
What union can I join if I am in a managerial or supervisory position, and/or my BUS code is 8888?
Your position is ineligible for a bargaining unit. Please filter by “non-union/professional association” to find a professional association that most closely aligns with your role.
What union can I join if my BUS code is 7777?
Your position is eligible for a bargaining unit but you are not organized into one. If you are at the Treasury Department, you can sign up with NTEU. Otherwise, you can sign up with AFGE.
Where is this data from?
This data is in large part sourced from the Office of Personnel Management’s Collective Bargaining Agreements Database. Please be aware that this list is non-exhaustive and may not be entirely up to date. We will continue to update and refine the list as we are able.
Why can’t I find my union on this list?
If you cannot find your union through this database, please reach out to info@whistleblower.org for assistance. You can also check your bargaining unit through AFGE’s search tool, which may have more updated information on your local.
Government Accountability Project is a nonpartisan nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that promotes corporate and government accountability by protecting whistleblowers, and ensuring their disclosures make a difference.